Ward Farmers Market

If you find yourself in craving a more local experience away from the crowds of Waikiki, then the Ward Farmers Market is for you.
It’s a stones throw from the shops at Ala Moana & is a favorite for locals to pick up cooking supplies, fresh seafood & produce. In essence, it’s more of a Japanese inspired grocery store than a traditional ‘farmers market’, but it sports a killer Japanese food counter that’s absolutely worth browsing. Offerings here include sushi, tonkatsu, bento, inari, black cod & some of the yummiest poke I ate while visiting the island.
Before leaving I picked up a small container of Shoyu Ahi Poke which was not only cheap, but terribly yummy.
Honestly, be brave, eat like a local & come here. It’s great!

Stopped by the farmers market since I heard someone makes Cubanos. I bought two and had a feeling I should have bought at least one more… because my husband and son ate it up! They liked it too, saying it’s better than the restaurant in Waianae. I say both Cubanos were outstandingly delicious. This Cubano looked more like the one they sold on Chef. It’s just too bad this spot doesn’t sell Fried Plantains.

I had never been to this farmers market which is located on the makai side of Ward Warehouse. When I saw that the 2d Annual Hawaii Coffee Festival was going to be here, I just had to attend. Could not miss a chance to mingle with my fellow caffiene lovers (caffiends). Where was I for the 1^st Annual festival — dazed and unalert, probably (but I leave that discussion for another day).
There were coffee growers from islands and samples were available of Nitro cold brew coffee on tap and coffee jello. The word YUMMY instantly comes to mind. Noticed that everyone here today was very, very happy — did the caffeine have something to do with it?
There’s a wide variety of food vendors to please almost any palette. Nice selection of vegetables available from the produce vendors.
The hours are 8 – 12 noon so it helps to be the early bird at this farmers market — it’s definitely worth the trip.

This place is a hidden gym! They have lots of cool stuff such as University of Hawaii attire and trendy tea pots. My wife and I bought a cool tea set last night before they closed at 9:30.
They have the largest imported Sake collection I have ever seen. I’m definitely going back here to get more. It’s more of an Asian farmers market, but it has a lot of fresh produce as well.
I could have probably spent an hour in there just looking around at the trinkets and Hawaii gear.

First time checking this farmer’s market out and glad I got to see all the vendors! Plenty of parking available in the Blaisdell parking structure which is opened. Vendors were all in full force selling pastries, food and fresh fruits and veggies. I love eating the kale chips with ahi which usually has a huge line but not as popular at this farmer’s market I guess. Pig and the lady and smoked meats, honolulu burger co also had stands. Fresh crepes at the crêpe stand also available.

The Saturday Ward Warehouse Farmer’s Market is a pretty nice little market. I believe it used to be located on the parking deck at Ala Moana Shopping Center, then was moved to the parking lot across from the movie theatres. Both of those places are now under construction, so they’re now located in the Ward Warehouse Mauka parking lot. Don’t worry, there’s a lot of space left in the Ward Warehouse parking structure.
As with most farmers markets, there are several produce stands where I like to get my pick of fresh local produce: kale, apple bananas, tomatoes, zucchini, melons, herbs, etc. The produce stands also offer shredded green papaya, so you can go home & make your own Thai green papaya salad. There are also several prepared food stands – a really big baked goods vendor, Naked Cow Dairy offering cheeses and spreads, some goat cheese-​based goods (they were ‘ono but I don’t know their name), smoothies, crepes, nut butters, plants and flowers, etc… In the middle of the market, a small area is set up for sitting, eating, and enjoying some shade and musical entertainment. The only vendor I wish would be there is Island Popper, but that truck is at the Pearlridge Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
The Ward location is convenient in that there are plenty of places to eat, and Marukai Market for other groceries. If you have more shopping to do, bring a cooler and ice packs to keep you fresh goodies nice. The vendors are all very nice, and I’ve never seen it too crowded. The other shoppers all seem to be nice and relaxed (have you ever been to a stressful farmer’s market? That’s just bad!) The parking lot does get hot, so I suggest going early, wearing a big hat, and carrying a water bottle. Imho, it’s also way easier to bring your own over-​the-​shoulder shopping bag to carry all of your purchases. As of last week, they offered plastic bags, but who knows if that will change on July 1? Be earth friendly!
PS This is not the kind of farmer’s market where you would expect to get the rock-​bottom lowest prices on your goods. The products are nice, and some can be pricey (there’s a $ 9 smoothie – but it’s very good!). If you’re looking for local produce at the lowest prices, there are options – I don’t think I’m allowed to mention them here, though.

We come to this farmers market when we’re in the ward area. This farmers market use to be in the Sears Ala Moana. We love the pao cheese bread, it’s so tasty! I also love the chocolate chi chi dango!

I’m at the farmers market hoping to get some fruit. I have zero fruit, honey and two different kinds of goat cheese :(lol
HYPES:
Lots of locally grown veggies and condiments, flowers, lemonade, coffee etc… Also lots of booths with yummy food! Saw a few vegan booths too. Variety here is A-​Ok. Lots of parking and people, but not a huge crowd either… it’s tolerable! (Got here around 10AM) opens 8A-​12P on Saturdays.
What I love most is this feel good live Hawaiian music! Ayyyye!
GRIPES:
I came here for fruit and there’s not much variety. So far I’ve only seen papaya, lychee and pineapple. Kinda small, I did one full lap in about 10 – 15 minutes.
Overall, a pretty good farmers market! I’d come back for sure, if only just to grab lemonade. :)

For a small amount of vendors this market is a nice way to start your Saturday morning. It is located on the mauka side of Ward Warehouse across from Marukai market.
Kaimuki Superette sells Shinsato pork butcher-​style with different cuts available which makes getting local-​sourced fresh pork super easy and its delicious. The Bread Dudes are great and have delicious croissants aplenty. There is local honey, pa’i’ai, fish, breads, pastries, flowers, plants, juices, coffee and vegetables of all sorts. It’s a great location with plenty of parking available.
Please note: This review is for the weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market at Ward Warehouse. Where Marukai is now located there used to be a store called The Farmer’s Market and the hours with this Unilocal page are for that former store that is no longer open.

Farmers markets are a fun thing, aren’t they? They’re the fun shopping alternative that makes you want to do your shopping and support local farmers in the process.
I frequent the ward farmers market from time to time, knowing that it does benefit the local farmers and other local eateries that set up shop here. It’s just great knowing that you’re in good company when all the talented chefs of amazing local restaurants and establishments are represented here. While the space in front of the Ward Farmers market is limited, there is always space for anyone and everyone who loves good food and plenty of company. Additional parking can be found at award Warehouse shopping complex across the street. Supporting local businesses has never been such a delicious experience! Ward Farmers Market is on Wednesdays, starting before 5pm. I usually get here around 5:30pm, get dinner, and just enjoy the comforts of the entire ambiance.
Typically, it’s not a restaurant set up, so you’d have to find a place to sit or be comfortable sitting on the floor, like how it was when you were a kid. For the small price of a plate lunch mix or two, it’s great to just be apart of such a weekly event that prides itself on bringing local to the local community. While this event has been around for less than 5 years, it’s been an increasing force in Honolulu. Plenty of farmers markets are sprouting up around Honolulu and this one on Wednesdays are great for those of us who love to support local businesses. Ward Farmers market is accessible via main bus routes #1, #2, and #9. Usually with an event like this, cash is always king, but you’d have a few vendors that will have a mobile credit card machine apparatus in play to accept your business. That’s always great. Living in the 21^st century is totally rocking!
The idea of the farmers market is the most beneficial way to spend your money and time. Get out of Costco or Walmart and experience this type of dining experience and you’ll see what I mean. The experience here was good and very positive. Usually, you would need probably 15 minutes to browse around, if you are a newbie here. The trick is to not be too indecisive and pick your favorite spot. The decisions here can be endless, but come here long enough and you’ll make fast friends like you wouldn’t believe. Best bet would be to come on an empty stomach and enjoy the atmosphere, food, and the ambiance of what the ward farmers market can do for you and your stomach. You will thank yourself later. Guaranteed.
Smile because you are here.
Support local!
B+

This is really one of the best local farmer’s markets in town. It’s not huge and never too crowded but has lots of fresh produce, plants, and food along with live music! I love sampling all that the vendors have to offer — from honey and cheeses to breads and meats, it’s all delicious! Plus most of the vendors accept credit cards which makes it really convenient. It’s a great way to spend your Saturday morning outdoors :)

Our Saturday ritual. We have made friends with our new papaya supplier. Go early, and parking is easy, small crowds, and the vendors open as soon as they are set up, they don’t have to wait till a certain time. The live music is always pleasant, with a nice seating area to enjoy your finds. A plethora of vegetable vendors. A nice option away from the crowded, tourist over-​run KCC farmers market.

I loved this Farmer’s Market! They had everything I’d ask for minus the crazy crowd (around 10a this past Saturday at least). From what I understand, it’s also the only place Link pops up and for those of you who loved Bob’s work at Whole Ox, you have to get down with what he creates through Link!
A nice touch was the live music, which is pretty much a staple at any market these days, and I enjoyed the pesto pizza and fried green tomatoes!
If you’re looking for an opportunity to get what you need at a Farmer’s Market minus the hassle and madness, this is it!

I like this farmers’ market because it’s low key compared to some crazy ones *ahem*KCC*ahem*. I love that I can get my fresh produce and even some yummy vegetarian grinds. The part that I like about it most is that there is a covered seating area to enjoy your food!

Been following this farmers market weekly since they started at Ala Moana by Sears, the vendors produce are so consistent and fresh each week. We are not officially farmer markets junkies. Our fav is Kozen and Hiraoka’s Farms for the freshest greens.

Happened to pop in to the Farmer’s Market and realized the great food options! One of my favorites, Onda Pasta was here and I was stoked (okay, I love them and will save the raving for another review).
A variety of options, baked good, desserts, Italian, Thai, locally crafted cheeses, and much more. I love the idea of supporting the local vendors and products we’ve come to expect at these types of venues. I didn’t notice a lot of produce (fruits/​veggies) being sold, but frankly — I was so busy exploring all the food I probably just blocked it out.
There was live music and a tented area for sitting and eating. The only downside is that is soooooo hot on the mauka side of Ward Warehouse, no amount of tents were going to make it comfortable… so get there early!

Went to the Ward Farmers Market for the first time. It’s worth your while to go to this location if it’s convenient as they have a variety of items as other larger farmer’s market. I had freshly baked pastries and it was delicious! Tried the chocolate croissant… mmm

I’m on the fence about this market… picking a different market a week to visit, Ward was up to bat last weekend.
A friend and I who had also never been to this one either went right at opening at 8am. It was already a freaking hot day and it’s probably that I was sweating like a heffer that I didn’t fully enjoy the market.
Parking is definitely not an issue here with so many options at Ward. I loved that there was live Hawaiian music and a tent with tables and chairs for people to sit at.
There was a good variety of vendors but the veggies were slightly more expensive than other markets so I ended up not making a purchase.
We did come across the Peanut Butter vendor we’d heard about and left with a jar each of Coconut, Macadamia nut and Banana peanut butters.
Being uncomfortable in the heat, I didn’t give this market a fair chance and will have to go again… before the summer hits!

This is our favorite place to get poke in Waikiki. Maybe not the absolute best but it’s the first place we ever got poke here, and it was glorious. Also pretty decent filipino food kine. I like the shoyu, gf likes the spicy tuna. We even took some with us back on the plane. Sad that the other place went under and we didn’t get to go to Poke Bowl but Ward’s is still pretty damn tastay.

i can think of better places to shop for local flavors than a heppy looking (high potential for contracting hepatitis) market, marukai, and lin’s market